Any organization that is willing to get rid of its basic foundation principles just because they are not popular with a very small vocal group of misguided individuals does not deserve to have custody of our youth. Now that they have made the mistake of throwing away their principles and values This is what is going to happen with Boy Scouts because of the decision that they have made on membership ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Scouting as we once knew it is dead. “Here lies the Boy Scouts of America, done in by a dumb decision ! ! “

Huh, seems to me the early stipulation on the Boy Scouts of America was that the Scouts would not discriminate on the basis of race or creed. Even in the beginning the organization seems to have wanted to be inclusive of outsiders.

Sorry, but anyone that thinks allowing someone with a different sexual belief into the organization is the end sounds an awful lot like those that threatened to burn the uniforms if an African American was allowed to wear it.

Unless the Boy Scouts have invented some magic test to make sure each and every Scout isn't secretly gay, I'd say if that's truly a concern for a parent then they better not ever let there kid camp anyway. They also must not allow their child to ever use a public bathroom, locker room, beach, attend a sleepover, etc...

I'd be much more concerned about allowing them to join an organization that believes and therefor teaches it is OK to treat certain people differently, whether that is due to race, religion, sexual preference or any other arbitrary thing that harms no one but perhaps that individual person.

And again, probably the same type of comments that were made about allowing African Americans in. Any sentence that starts with, "MY GOD, what if my child has to sleep with a..." should concern people and lead to potential reevaluation.

No need to worry about gay Boy Scouts. The real agenda is to secure a positions for adult gay male Boy Scout leaders. Not that they would ever have any interest in boys. "A kid in a Candy Store" is the quote that comes to mind.

I can't believe the ignorance. Gay men are not pedophiles. Funny, I've known a gay man that has been involved with scouting in many aspects for years, not one scout has ever been molested at his hand, yet there have been boys molested in his troop by straight men. Time for a reality check on life people.

If they are interested in boys they may not be openly gay, but I certainly would not consider them straight. Calling pedophiles straight is just another way of describing a closet gay that has just managed to hide it for a long time and took advantage of the opportunity. Scouting has worked hard for many years to promote youth protection, and granted you are not going to stop every one, but by requiring two deep leadership at all activities and at all times it has been a step in the right direction. The question is how do we handle the same situation with some misguided youth.

Again, gay men are not pedophiles and pedophiles are not gay. Pedophiles do not see a young male as male, they see it as a child. Someone they can control. Molestation has nothing to do with sexual orientation.

Old Scout, when you say "misguided youth" are you referring to a young man that would be gay? If so how is that "misguided"? How is being born to a sexual orientation "misguided"?

Time to realize that a gay man has just as much to offer the scouting program as a straight man. Possibly more. A gay man would be tolerant, open minded, inclusive rather than exclusive.

Old Scout wrote:Our concern is the safety of the boys and yours is being PC. Big difference !

And our concern is irrational fear and bigotry. Big difference!

So back up your concerns. Where's the factual data that gay men (or boys) are a problem? Unless the Boy Scouts have developed some magical blood test the rest of us don't know about, they don't have a way of knowing the sexual orientation of anyone unless they're told. Are you going to have to have to "prove" you're not gay before you can be a part of the Scouts (that's going to be one heck of a merit badge)?

Old Scout, you don't know what you are talking about. I've been involved with the program, as a den Leader in both Tomahawk and North Fond du Lac. I'm not oblivious to the concerns for the safety of the boys. It's not about being PC. It's about men that love the program, want to be part of something that is a positive. Being gay is not immoral. What is immoral are people that are intolerant and chose to be ignorant.

Yes indeed Old Scout, everyone is entitled to their opinion. That's what's so great about our country freedom of speech, the opportunity to express those opinions. It is also great that an organization like the Boys Scouts of American has become inclusive rather than exclusive. What a great country we live in.

Deb, I think it is great that you were involved for a time in the program as they can always use leaders.

In contrast, I have been involved with scouting in one capacity or another for over 50 years and have seen a lot of changes, some good, some not so good. So yes, when it comes to Boy Scouts, I do know what I am talking about.

I can't believe the ignorance. Gay men are not pedophiles. Funny, I've known a gay man that has been involved with scouting in many aspects for years, not one scout has ever been molested at his hand, yet there have been boys molested in his troop by [url]straight men[/url]. Time for a reality check on life people.

Life in La La Land. It's time for a reality check all right.

Gay men are not pedophiles.

when the correct statement would be, not all gay men are pedophiles. Straight men bull, the Catholic Church and Penn State have some excellent references to your idea of [url]straight men[/url]. This idea is political correctness carried to the extreme. Why would anyone want to put those kids in harms way in the interest of social engineering?

I believe in tolerance in every person, and tolerance in America for all...gay or straight. If a young gay male wants to join the scouts who are you to tell him no? We have tolerance in our military, all public offices, in our classrooms, in our politics. I believe allowing a gay youth to join a group of other young men to socialize and become accepted within a peer of other boys his age will not do anything harmful to any person in there, and quite the opposite, it will demonstrate acceptance to all individuals. I doubt it would even be noticed or become an issue to anyone. Homosexuality is not a disease or is something you catch like a cold. The kids do not care what sexual preference their friends are, they are too young...only the adults seem to be hung up on this issue. Some members in the Catholic Church has been molesting young boys for centuries and swept under the rug...I think that more of a social issue than the boy scouts accepting a few gay individuals.

I believe a few of these would mean acceptance for all gay or straight.

A Scout is

TRUSTWORTHY. A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.

LOYAL. A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.

HELPFUL. A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

FRIENDLY. A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.

COURTEOUS. A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

KIND. A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

OBEDIENT. A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

CHEERFUL. A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

THRIFTY. A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

BRAVE. A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

CLEAN. A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

REVERENT. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

tooten wrote:No need to worry about gay Boy Scouts. The real agenda is to secure a positions for adult gay male Boy Scout leaders. Not that they would ever have any interest in boys. "A kid in a Candy Store" is the quote that comes to mind.

So, do you believe gay couples shouldn't adopt children, or they shouldn't be school teachers,work in hospitals, community service for example? That's what you are saying. Gays, or lesbians are NOT pedophiles, and live, work and breathe in every aspect of life, even yours,and have been here since the beginning of time. Sexual preference for the same gender is not the same as sexual preference for a child. Google is your friend, and I think you should reach out more into your community to find the difference yourself.